Roger Wonson, a sprightly centenarian, credits his long and healthy life to his unwavering passion for music, disciplined approach to nutrition, and nurturing empathy. Last week, he celebrated his milestone birthday by leading his band, The Current Current, in a riveting performance at his nursing home.
Wonson believes that music has been the beacon of positivity in his life. He is proud not to conform to the stereotype of an old-fashioned person and attributes his longevity to a combination of good genetics from his parents – both of whom lived well into their golden years – and a cheerful personality.
To keep himself fit and agile, Wonson advocates for eating half portions of food while drinking plenty of water and engaging in weight training regularly. He practises weight lifting while watching TV to maintain balance and strength. However, he emphasizes not overexercising and recently reduced the weight he lifts to prevent injury. His eating habits are similar to the Japanese principle of ‘hara hachi bu,’ which means stopping when 80% full, allowing the stomach time to signal satisfaction before putting the bowl away.
Empathy is central to Wonson’s relationships. He strongly believes that understanding someone else’s perspective can mitigate conflict and resolve differences peacefully. To achieve this, he encourages active listening and respecting other people’s opinions while maintaining harmony within relationships. Stress can weaken the immune system, which can accelerate aging and lead to chronic health conditions. Hence, Wonson focuses on finding joy in his passions such as music, photography, and continuous learning through sources like TED Talks.